Aviva Fouls Up Pension Transfer

Stress

I have a personal pension with Aviva. I asked last year if I could take 90% of pension and was told no. In January I asked for confirmation of this in writing as it was required as evidence to enforce a Financial Ombudsman decision via County Court (see previous posts).
In February I received a letter from Aviva stating I could take 90% (leaving 10% to keep pension open for redress payment).

I arranged to transfer to a HL sipp and the forms were returned to Aviva 2 March. HL rang Aviva 16 March and was told a BACS payment would take place on 18 March. I rang Aviva 22 March to enquire what the transfer sum was and was told there had been no transfer:eek: I asked to speak to policy admin but was told it wasn't possible, but they would send a message for them to ring me back. This didn't happen, so rang again today and urgent message left, still no call back.
I am 54 and HL require the funds prior to 1 April in order for me to commence drawdown, otherwise I have to wait until December. I was self employed but sold the business in preparation for retirement.

I have wrote a letter of complaint (copied to the CEO) but time is running out.

Annisele

If the Financial Ombudsman Service are already involved, have you tried calling the person who dealt with your case?

I take it the complaint wasn't about Aviva, and in any case FOS can't make Aviva do anything, but sometimes a quick call between FOS and a provider can help move things along.

Edit: I should say that FOS may not be prepared to do any such thing - they don't have to! - but it might be worth a shot.

Stress

Thanks Annisele, the FOS will only act after the firm has issued it's final response.

Got an email from CEO he has put a manager on to investigate the complaint.